3 Ways to Maintain Healthy Friendships

We rely on our friends to cheer us up when we are sad, to listen when we are frustrated, and to go out with us when we need a break. We connect with these people because we have something in common. Maybe we like the same music, met during healing after a crisis we both endured, enjoy the same type of books, or are passionate about the same community issues. For whatever reason, we adore these people and they adore us.

So, what are we doing for them?

Do we thank them for their support?

Do we let them know how much they are appreciated?

A healthy friendship is one in which we know that we are loved and supported. Often, acts of kindness are how we portray that appreciation.

“Honoring our friendships is vital to 

our physical and mental health.

Acts of kindness go a long way

and words can take it further.”

Here are some suggestions on how we can show our friends that we appreciate them!

Send a Gift Basket or Flowers

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There doesn’t have to be a specific holiday or reason to send a gift basket or flowers. Really, it’s the sentiment behind it. Here are a few suggestions on what you can send, or create yourself:

*Vegan Gift Baskets – Perfect for your vegan friend who doesn’t say a word about your love for bacon! This can gain you extra friendship points if your vegan friend cannot eat out due to lack of options in your area.

*The Crisis Gift Set – If you have a friend that is dealing with heavy work stress, marital stress, or any kind of stress, this is a great gift. Fill a reusable basket or tote bag with aspirin, chocolate, champagne, massage oils, and anything else they love to use to de-stress

*The Knitter Kit – Does your friend always knit and always talk about knitting? Then you should grab a basket and head to your nearest yarn shop. Filling a basket with yarn, knitting needles (or crochet hook if your friend crochets!), and various notions will let her/him know they are loved!

Send a Card

In our fast-paced world, we often forget about the joy of getting a card in the postal mail. Send your friend a card for no other reason than to say you are thinking of them! Get creative with these ideas:

*Print out their favorite Instagram photo and include your own personal message

*Buy the silliest cards you can find and randomly send them.

*Send a card for unusual “holidays” and milestones. Consider “Happy National Pancake Day” or a “Glad you are out of the hospital” cards.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Sometimes all you need to do to feed the relationship is to treat your friend to a meal. Make their favorite dish. Take them to their favorite restaurant. Make a day of eating everywhere they can eat for free on their birthday. We bond most over food so continuing that tradition is well worth it.

“A healthy friendship is one in which

we know that we are loved and supported.

Often, acts of kindness are how we

portray that appreciation.”

Honoring our friendships is vital to our physical and mental health. When you take the time to show appreciation and love towards your friend, it’s returned to you tenfold! It doesn’t take very much to show appreciation, we showcased a few ideas.

However, we must stress that there is nothing better than looking at your friend and really telling them how much you appreciate and love them. Acts of kindness go a long way and words can take it further. Don’t let life keep you so busy that you feel like you can’t love and adore your friendships.

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Do you actively appreciate your friendships?

What are some of your favorite ways to show them your love?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“Shared at Thank Goodness It’s Monday at Nourishing Joy”